Ministry wants an increase in health services for orang asli

Star: PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry wants to see more orang asli providing health services to their community.
“We would like to encourage orang asli with relevant qualifications to apply to become nurses, medical assistants, radiographers as well as doctors and pharmacists.
“Those who qualify will certainly be given priority for employment to serve their community,” said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Shirlin via an email interview.
The ministry will take over health and medical services run by the Orang Asli Development Department (JHEOA) effective Jan 1, next year.
At present, JHEOA operates a hospital in Gombak, Selangor, three family clinics in Pahang, Kelantan and Perak, 16 transit centres for families of hospitalised patients, and 108 halls to provide health services using the department's mobile clinic programme, mobile dental clinics and an airborne doctor service.
“The orang asli will be able to obtain health services at any ministry facility and not just those operated by JHEOA.
“We will also ensure that the traditional practices such as family admission is honoured,” she said.
She added that a dedicated unit under the Public Health programme will be established to monitor the implementation of services and to plan for future development.
A doctor at the orang asli hospital in Gombak had highlighted alleged mistreatment of patients, medical negligence and abuse of power at the facility.
The hospital reportedly underwent some cosmetic changes in June last year to stave off further criticism.
An orang asli hospital staff member, who declined to be named, said that she looked forward to the changes.
“For many years I have longed to see more orang asli employed to serve our people,” she said.